Title
'Kebaya biku' with printed hibiscus motifs
Year/Period
1950s
Region
Singapore
Material
textile, voile
Dimension
Gross measurement: 67.7 x 125.5 cm
Accession No.
2005-01223
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of SHM Old Collection
NLB Type
Costume
The kebaya biku (which refers to a kebaya style with simple scalloped embroidery along the borders) has been used as everyday attire by Peranakan Chinese women since the 1930s. It is secured by three brooches and usually worn with a kain sarong (waistcloth). The Malays usually wore it with a corset, which helped to accentuate the wearer's slim figure. As the fabric was thin, women would wear camisoles underneath, until brassieres became popular in the 1950s.
